Name: The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American (Southern)
Ingredients: 6-8 chicken tenders; 2 egg whites; 1 cup buttermilk (240g) (can be made with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 cup all purpose flour (130g); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 2 inches vegetable oil (for frying, in a large skillet or wok); 2-3 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference); 1 tbsp paprika; 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 cup hot vegetable oil (fresh from the frying pan); 1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage (mix of purple and green); 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 2 tsp sugar; 1 tsp vinegar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup ketchup; Pinch of salt; Pinch of pepper; 12 mini slider buns or 6-8 full sized buns; 2-4 pickles, thinly sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you are craving something that brilliantly blends bold, fiery spice with irresistible crunch and tangy coolness, look no further than The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe. These little morsels pack a serious punch of southern heat balanced perfectly with creamy slaw and pickles, all tucked into soft, fluffy slider buns. Whether you’re serving game day guests or just indulging your love for spicy fried chicken, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite for a sensational flavor explosion in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a creamy white liquid layered with small pieces of light pink meat and pale green vegetables scattered throughout. The top of the mixture is sprinkled evenly with tiny black specks of ground pepper. The bowl shows the smooth texture of the creamy liquid with slight unevenness from the ingredients beneath the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from crisp coating to that signature spicy kick and crunchy tang of fresh slaw. Here’s what you’ll gather to bring this dish to life:

Chicken tenders (6-8): The perfect size for sliders and tender enough to soak up all the marinade flavors.
Egg whites (2): Help the marinade cling to the chicken for juicy, flavorful bites.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds acidity and tenderness to the chicken; making your own with milk plus vinegar is a handy trick.
Salt and pepper (various): Essential seasonings that enhance every layer of flavor in the chicken and coatings.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the crispy, golden crust around each tender.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Gives an extra-crispy texture making the crust irresistibly crunchy.
Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Lightens the coating for a perfect crisp.
Vegetable oil (enough for frying): The deep-fat medium that crisps the chicken to perfection.
Cayenne pepper (2-3 tbsp): The star of the show for that Nashville heat level you crave.
Paprika (1 tbsp): Adds smoky warmth to the spicy blend.
Brown sugar (1 1/2 tbsp): Balances the spice with subtle sweetness.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Deepens the savory notes in the hot sauce.
Shredded cabbage (1 1/2 cups): Gives a colorful, crunchy contrast in the coleslaw topping.
Mayo (1/3 cup + 1/4 cup): Creates creamy components in both the coleslaw and the special slider sauce.
Sugar, vinegar, salt & pepper (various): Perfectly balance the tang and sweetness in the coleslaw and sauces.
Ketchup (1/4 cup): Adds a tangy depth to the slider sauce.
Mini slider buns (12) or full-sized buns (6-8): Soft and fluffy bases to hold these flavor-packed delights.
Pickles (2-4 slices): A crisp, tart bite that refreshes and cuts through the heat.

How to Make The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade

Begin by trimming your chicken tenders, removing excess fat and tendons so every bite is tender and comfortable to eat. If you have mini slider buns, cut each tender to fit perfectly inside. Whisk together buttermilk, egg whites, salt, and pepper in a bowl—this marinade is key to juicy, flavorful chicken that soaks up all that nostalgic southern spice. Let your chicken soak for 2 hours or overnight in the fridge to maximize flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Make the Coleslaw and Slider Sauce

While your chicken marinates, get a head start on your other components. Toss together a fresh, crunchy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, mayo, sugar, vinegar, and just a pinch of salt and pepper. The sweet and tangy slaw perfectly complements the heat of the chicken. In a separate bowl, combine mayo, ketchup, and seasoning to create a creamy, tangy slider sauce that adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to your sliders.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Prepare the breading mixture by combining flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture ensures a crisp, golden crust. Each chicken piece gets dipped twice in the marinade and flour combination to form a thick, crunchy coating that holds up to frying and sauce coating without sogginess.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking first for 5-6 minutes to cook through, then resting. The magic happens with a second fry for 2-3 minutes to reach that perfect deep golden crunch. This double-fry method guarantees your chicken sliders have an unbeatable crisp texture.

Step 5: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce and Coat the Chicken

Mix cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Carefully pour half a cup of hot oil from your frying pan over the spices and whisk until a vibrant, fiery sauce forms. Coat each piece of hot chicken quickly in this sauce, ensuring every side glistens with that unmistakable Nashville heat.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

Warm your buns lightly to keep them soft and inviting. Spread a generous layer of slider sauce on the bottom bun, layer with pickles, then add the sauced chicken tender. Top with crunchy coleslaw and finish with the bun top. Serve immediately for the best experience, while the chicken is still warm and the flavors all sing together.

How to Serve The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

A close-up of a sandwich cut in half, showing four visible layers inside a soft, golden brown bun with a slightly toasted top. The bottom layer is light green pickle slices, followed by a crispy, golden brown fried chicken layer with a textured crust. Above the chicken is a layer of creamy coleslaw containing white and purple cabbage mixed with small carrot strips, adding a creamy and crunchy texture. The sandwich is placed on a wooden surface with small pieces of coleslaw scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness is key when serving these sliders. Thinly sliced pickles are classic, but adding delicate fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley can add a bright, fresh note. A few slices of fresh jalapeño or a drizzle of ranch dressing can also soften the heat for those who want a milder experience while still enjoying the bold flavors.

Side Dishes

These sliders are fantastic with traditional southern sides like crispy fries or sweet potato wedges. A light cucumber salad or even some baked beans makes for a well-rounded meal that balances spicy, creamy, and fresh textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, arrange the sliders on a rustic wooden platter with small bowls of extra hot sauce, slider sauce, and pickles for guests to customize their bites. You could also serve these sliders alongside a colorful array of pickled vegetables and slaws for a vibrant, festive spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover chicken tenders and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns fresh by storing them in a bread bag or container to prevent drying out.

Freezing

The cooked chicken tenders freeze well for up to a month. Freeze them in a single layer on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags to keep them from sticking together. Coleslaw and sauces do not freeze well, so prepare those fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat chicken tenders in an oven or air fryer at 350°F to re-crisp the coating—avoid microwaving as it can make the batter soggy. Warm the buns separately to maintain softness and assemble your sliders fresh. Add cold slaw and pickles straight from the fridge for maximum crunch and flavor contrast.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it to marinate the chicken.

How spicy are these sliders?

You control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in the Nashville hot sauce. Start with less if you prefer mild spice, and increase gradually to suit your taste buds.

Can I make these sliders gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified for a safe alternative.

Why do I need to double fry the chicken?

Double frying cooks the chicken thoroughly and then crisps up the coating to a crunchy, golden perfection. It also helps the crust stay crisp when coated with the hot sauce.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes! Marinade the chicken up to overnight and make the coleslaw and slider sauce a day ahead. Just fry and assemble the sliders fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Once you try The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe, this spicy, crunchy, and tantalizing dish will be a must-make for your gatherings or casual nights in. The delightful heat combined with creamy sauces and crisp slaw makes every slider an unforgettable bite. Dive in and savor the incredible flavors you’ll be dreaming about long after the last slider is gone!